By John McConnell, Earth Day Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Earth
Society Foundation.

TRAGIC STATE OF THE WORLD REVEALED

The whole world has been horrified by the heinous destruction of the World
Trade Center. This terrible act was revenge by a few who saw and felt the
pain and suffering of multitudes -- ignored by the powerful in rich America.

Put in historical context, we see a planet that is covered by a wonderful web of
life -- plants, trees, vegetation, animals. We have inherited a great
planet. Pursuing peace, justice and taking care of our planet would have
provided a great future for every creed and culture.

But more and more, individuals, corporations and governments use hate and
violence to get ahead. We profess allegiance to the Golden Rule, but instead
have adopted The Rule of Greed and Military Might.

Our non-action in responding to the poverty and suffering in countries around
the world (including Afghanistan) is a far worse crime than toppling the World
Trade Center. Sins of omission can be greater than sins of
commission.

Now is the time for all who believe in the power of love (Creative Altruism,
divine love) to forgive our enemies and ourselves and join in making this
horrible milestone a new beginning for the whole human family.

This is a call for every one (the whole human family) to act as responsible
trustees of Earth. Let every individual and institution now think and act
(in their own way) as a trustee of Planet Earth, and the global state of mind
will change from me, mine, more, to faith, hope and charity as we pursue
peaceful progress in the human adventure.

To one and all: The greater your power the greater your responsibility.
In the past we have spent billions for bombs and pennies for peace. Now
we must reverse that and join in a moral equivalent of World War II -- back
every effort for peace, justice and a sustainable future. Here is a chance
to prove the value of our differing religious beliefs by our actions and their
result.

"When
I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truthand love have always won. There have been
tyrants, and murderers, andfor a
time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall.
Think of it ...always."